Court revokes arrest of Santa Rita councilor, PB, arrested on suspicion of homicide
A councilor from Santa Rita, Brazil, had his preventive arrest revoked after a judge ruled that evidence did not link him to a homicide.
In a significant legal development, the court in Paraíba, Brazil, lifted the preventive detention of Wagner Lucindo de Souza, a councilor from Santa Rita, who had been arrested on suspicion of homicide. This ruling was issued by Judge Vanessa Andrade Dantas from the 1st Mixed Court of Santa Rita. The councilor, known as Wagner de Bebé, had originally been apprehended in August 2025, with the arrest being converted to preventive status due to concerns regarding his potential involvement in a homicide case.
The recent decision came after forensic examinations revealed that firearms discovered in Wagner's possession during the investigations did not connect him to the alleged crime. Consequently, the Public Ministry opted to file charges against him solely for illegal possession of firearms, rather than homicide. This development indicates the complexity of the case and how evidence can play a pivotal role in judicial proceedings, particularly concerning the responsibilities of public officials.
While Wagner's preventive arrest has been lifted, the court has imposed certain precautionary measures. These include restrictions on his nighttime movements and prohibitions against visiting public venues like bars and restaurants. Additionally, he is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet. These measures highlight ongoing concerns about public safety and judicial oversight, ensuring that while the urgency of evidence might have led to a revocation of arrest, vigilance remains in cases involving officials under scrutiny.